Sunday, October 4, 2009

Wrap the Arts

Grassroots strategies to reclaim distressed neighborhoods are taking hold in cities around the country,including Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Youngstown. Fighting to reclaim neighborhoods blighted by blocks of decaying and neglected vacant homes, and abandoned parking lots is a very difficult task.

More than 1.2 million residential properties went into foreclosure in 2008 alone. the National Vacant Properties Campaign estimates that the number of chronically vacant properties is in the millions.

Art Youngstown is taking a creative approach to dealing with blight in one Youngstown neighborhood. Supported in part by the Wean Foundation's Neighborhood Success Grant Program, the organization has developed a plan to transform one large unsightly green space along Wick Avenue on the city's north side into a work of art.

The property is not suitable for development, green or otherwise. It currently consists of a large blacktopped parking lot that is surrounded by a ragged looking chain link fence. Art Youngstown has named the plan Wrap the Arts.. The plan is comprised of wrapping over forty large weather resistant canvases around the property. The works of art have been created by local artists, community residents and organizations. The large installation of art will be put on display on October 24for the entire community to enjoy. For directions to the site go here.

Prior to the installation, Art Youngstown is hosting an event to meet and greet the artists at the beautiful Youngstown Metro Church located on the corner of Wick and McGuffy near the art installation. The public is invited to attend on Saturday October 10, 2009 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. For more information please visit Art Youngstown. Hope to see you there.

Debra Weaver is an Attorney in Youngstown, Ohio. She is a long time resident, activist, and proud tree hugger. She loves the city and believes that the citizens of Youngstown can co-create a vital, sustainable city for ourselves and future generations.